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Alex Cejka is the second German to win a tournament on the US Seniors Tour after golf legend Bernhard Langer.

Cejka, who lives in Las Vegas, prevailed on his third start on the Champions Tour at Greystone Golf & Country Club in Alabama in the jump-off on the first extra hole against the US Ryder Cup captain and defending champion Steve Stricker.

"I still can not believe it. I fought so hard, ”said Cejka after the surprising triumph at Regions Tradition

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The man from Munich has been in business for decades, but he had to turn 50 to celebrate the greatest triumph of his career. From this age onwards, the professionals can tee off on the Champions Tour.

However, as on the PGA Tour, players must qualify to participate in the tournaments.

Cejka did not have the right to start the major.

He only entered the field via detours.

As in his previous two starts in regular tournaments, he had to qualify for the main draw over a strong round in Monday's qualification.

This time he finished second, which still didn't get him a starting place, just first place on the list of successors.

Only when the American Jay Haas had to cancel his participation, Cejka moved into the field.

Cejka meets, Stricker forgives

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There he did whatever he always did: fight.

Cejka was never a star on the PGA tour.

Most of the time he fought for cut and tour ticket instead of victory.

He had only one success, in 2015 at a rather smaller tournament in Puerto Rico.

In Alabama he kept his cool now.

In the final round, Cejka fought a duel with Stricker, which ended in a play-off.

Cejka sank his birdie putt at the first extra hole, and Stricker pushed his past the hole shortly afterwards.

“I'm so happy,” said Cejka with tears in his eyes: “I can't find any words.

It is a dream that will come true. ”And that gives him a lot of security.

In addition to prize money of $ 375,000, the Monday rounds and the tremors are over for Cejka.

As a major winner, he has the tour ticket for five years.

Kisses: Alex Cejka has not yet received many large trophies

Source: dpa / Butch Dill